1 1/2 c. raisins
1 1/2 c. dates, cut into sm. pieces
2 c. sugar
2 c. boiling water
5 tbsp. shortening
3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped nuts

Place raisins, dates, sugar, water and shortening in a saucepan and simmer gently for 20 minutes, cool. Then sift flour, soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt together. Stir into the cooled mixture, adding the nuts and candied fruit last. Pour into well greased and floured pans. Bake 1 1/2 hours in a slow moderate oven at 325 degrees. Use two loaf pans 3 3/4 x 7 3/4 inches across the bottom. Serves 12.